Stagecoach has announced plans to invest $20 million (£13.2 million) to expand its US bus fleet.

The Perth-based company said it will add a total of 51 new buses to its US fleet to expand its operations in Ohio, Chicago and New Jersey.

All of the new buses are expected to be in operation by July of this year.

Dale Moser, president and chief executive of Stagecoach Group's North America division, said: "We are continuing to see good growth in our local and inter-city transportation services in the United States and Canada.

"This latest investment will allow us to deliver a safe, reliable and good value service to our customers."

Stagecoach currently has a fleet of 2,900 buses across 25 regional divisions.

The group's Megabus.com also runs interstate services to more than 100 cities across North America.

Stagecoach currently employs 4,800 people across its North America operations.